Okay, I have a 2005 Peugeot 206 Sport that I'm using as a runaround while it's up for sale...

Unfortunately, whilst having an independent RAC inspection for a potential buyer, it developed a misfire/splutter:mad: (Isn't that always the way??)

Now, I can't seem to sort it out and the Peugeot Owners club are absolutely RUBBISH - no one seems to know anything about cars! (either that or they simply don't want to help)

Symptoms are as follows:

the car idles fine, but is hesitant under load, pretty much right through the rev range.

I think unburnt fuel is getting through because after a ten minute drive the on board display flashes a "catalytic converter fault" followed by "anti pollution fault"

It's a 1390cc fuel injected petrol engine.

Any experts out there that can suggest what to try first?? :confused::confused: (I've already had the plugs out and they were fine, as is the air filter)

Get the codes read. If I was asked for a random guess, I'd say coil packs, as I think they are known to fail on PSA products as well as VAG, but it could be anything.

When you had the plugs out, did you inspect the coil packs?

what do knackered coil packs look like? Are they easily identifiable as knackered? or do I need to get myself a second set and try substituting them one at a time?

what do knackered coil packs look like? Are they easily identifiable as knackered?

Not usually, but you never know- you might find some burning or arcing.

As you suggest, substitution is the best test. However, I would get a code read first, as it really could be anything else as well.

Also have a check for any vacuum leaks- a hissing sound, or any pipes dropped off.

[edit]

Have a look at this:Peugeot 306 1.4 - Review - IMPORTANT If you own a 306 1.4 1997-2001

though as it's a 2005 may not be relevant.

there are ways of testing for sparks at each plug , but to the non-mechanically minded it can be dangerous, in the respect of giving yourself a nasty shock

best getting it down the dealers or local independant garage

there are ways of testing for sparks at each plug , but to the non-mechanically minded it can be dangerous, in the respect of giving yourself a nasty shock

best getting it down the dealers or local independant garage

so if I unscrew a plug, reconnect it and hold it near the block with my teeth whilst getting someone to crank it over, I should be able to tell if it's sparking okay????

Is this a new engine, or a variation on the old TU14?

Is this a new engine, or a variation on the old TU14?

D'Uh....I dunno boss...

All I know is it doesn't work the way it should do. Gonna take it up to my local mechanic tomorrow and see if he has a plug in thingy...

I would have a stab in the dark and say Lamda Sensor, commonly known as an 02 Sensor.

I would have a stab in the dark and say Lamda Sensor, commonly known as an 02 Sensor.

the "cat fault" and "anti pollution fault" codes disappear if I don't use the car for a few days, so I don't think the lambda sensor is at fault - more a symptom of something allowing unburnt fuel into the exhaust system...

maybe....

(but all suggestions welcome)

the "cat fault" and "anti pollution fault" codes disappear if I don't use the car for a few days, so I don't think the lambda sensor is at fault - more a symptom of something allowing unburnt fuel into the exhaust system...

maybe....

(but all suggestions welcome)

Maybe because when you dont use the car it cools down. When you use the car it heats up, then when its hot the possibly faulty lambda sensor sends an incorrect signal to the ecu and it over fuels.

I could be wrong, just a suggestion.

Maybe because when you dont use the car it cools down. When you use the car it heats up, then when its hot the possibly faulty lambda sensor sends an incorrect signal to the ecu and it over fuels.

I could be wrong, just a suggestion.

Hmmm, I like your thinking...

I'll try changing the lambda sensor first... (my local garage doesn't have a pluggy inny thingy)

They should be able to test a lambda with a voltmeter or multimeter.

I had a very similar thing with a Nissan, and it turned out that the combined distributor/coil unit was on the way out and the reduced voltage to the plugs just wasn't enough to get a clean and even burn under load. That'd certainly account for the unburned petrol smell and the cat warnings, and would cause hesitation as the revs built and it ran out of bang

I had a very similar thing with a Nissan, and it turned out that the combined distributor/coil unit was on the way out and the reduced voltage to the plugs just wasn't enough to get a clean and even burn under load. That'd certainly account for the unburned petrol smell and the cat warnings, and would cause hesitation as the revs built and it ran out of bang

sounds good - all sensible suggestions...

Thanks everyone!

well... £20 later, and I'm now armed with no less than 14 fault codes!!

most relate to the coil packs and injectors (coil pack 1, coil pack 2, etc, injector 1 etc) and both labda sensors.

Guess I need to change the coil packs first then?

If your using the trial and error option change the cheapest item first. Remeber it looks like there is two lamda sensors, pre and post cat. I would imagine these would be cheaper to replace than injectors.

As mentioned above the sensors can be tested. If you do a googl search for testing a lambda sensor there is quite a lot of information to be had.

HTH

so if I unscrew a plug, reconnect it and hold it near the block with my teeth whilst getting someone to crank it over, I should be able to tell if it's sparking okay????

With the spark igniting the unburnt petrol as it's fired out of the top of the cylinder you removed the plug from, resulting in a fireball around your head.:eek:

With the spark igniting the unburnt petrol as it's fired out of the top of the cylinder you removed the plug from, resulting in a fireball around your head.:eek:

Yeah baby, yeah... Danger is my middle name...

I'd start with the coil packs yes. Apart from anything else, if they're sparking late or never, this will muck up the lambda readings!

I'd start with the coil packs yes. Apart from anything else, if they're sparking late or never, this will muck up the lambda readings!

that plus the fact that the lambda sensors are £70 and £60, and I can get a guaranteed coil pack for less than £50...

Thanks everyone for your assistance - I've had more help and suggestions on this forum in a week than I did in a MONTH on the Peugeot one...

that plus the fact that the lambda sensors are £70 and £60, and I can get a guaranteed coil pack for less than £50...

Thanks everyone for your assistance - I've had more help and suggestions on this forum in a week than I did in a MONTH on the Peugeot one...

Jeez,

There dear lambda sensors and cheap coil packs. I presume they are aftermarket and not genuine peugeot items.

Let us know how you get on.

id go for the injector's these are a common fault on the citreon/peugeot's I sell loads of them, also there are a few different types fitted (colour coded)

Hope this helps